Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dress Dagger, by F.W. Höller

(Kriegsmarine Dolch für Offiziere). A well-preserved Kriegsmarine Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 42 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the edges and tip. Dual narrow fullers run the majority of the length of each side, while the blade also bears double-sided, acid-etched decorations consisting of nautical imagery flanked by arabesque latticework. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “F.W. HÖLLER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic thermometer logo with 17 ticks. The blade sits securely within a brass crossguard, bearing double-sided fouled anchors, with an intact blackened leather buffer pod covering the seam. Inset into the obverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button release connecting to a clip which emanates from the ricasso to unlock the scabbard guard. The handle grip consists of a single piece of ribbed off-white celluloid, with the ribbing retaining an intact twisted and rolled brass wire cord. A brass pommel completes the dagger, and consists of a German national eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the crossguard and pommel is a matching knot, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a cord of identical construction. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a dimpled brass shaft. Dual integral oak leaf bands are situated just below the throat, each retaining a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat retains a functional catch to lock onto the blade’s clip. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, tarnishing of the brass fixtures, and fatigue to the wire of the knot. This untouched dagger remains in a near extremely fine condition.